We’ve already given many examples of ways to cook healthier at home, and have even discouraged eating out. But, let’s be realistic- you can’t stay in your perfect plant based home forever. Some days, you’ll want to go to a restaurant to meet friends. Other days, you’ll want to meet family at a catered function. And, there will be birthdays, and weddings, and baby showers.. you can’t avoid the delicious temptation that lurks outside your door!
So, how do you do it? How do you avoid packing on the calories and processed food when you don’t have total control of the menu?
Let’s start with me.
As you’ve read in other articles, and as I’m sure my husband will affirm, I *love* food. Love, love, love it. And my love affair with food hasn’t ended since I went to a WFPB diet, but it has changed. Here’s a good example: as you all know, I’m a physician, and about once every three months, I have to attend a work meeting, which is usually held at a local restaurant. This restaurant is not known for it’s vegetarian options, to say the least. A buffet of steaming hot goodies is set up for us to choose from while we listen to the speaker. I won’t list the meat options (since I steer right past them), but typical veggie options are: make your own salad [lettuce, raw carrots/onions/mushrooms/tomatoes/cucumbers], with a creamy ranch dressing or oil and vinegar, sautéed green beans, a creamy pasta dish, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls with butter packets, roasted carrots, and of course, a dessert bar with 5-6 types of cakes and cookies.
A few months ago, I would have done the, “How often do I eat this?!” excuse, and ate the creamy pasta or the eggplant parmesan, which is basically breaded and deep fried eggplant with a thick layer of cheese.
What I try and do at these occasions, is “pre-game”. By that, I mean, I eat healthy snacks and drink water before the work meeting. This way, it is easier for me to avoid the fat-ladden vegetarian options. You can try doing the same thing, first to avoid meats, and then, dairy. Good luck to you and please contact me to let me know if this has worked for you in any way.
